Coppin State Sweeps Morgan State
BALTIMORE --- The Coppin State softball team took a giant step to securing a bid to the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) tournament for a fifth straight season by sweeping Morgan State in a doubleheader, 5-4 and 7-3 Saturday afternoon.
The Eagles (12-23 overall, 7-8 MEAC) got timely hits and contributions from everybody to significantly enhance their postseason chances. It also helped that Delaware State swept Maryland Eastern Shore in a doubleheader Saturday. Coppin State leads Morgan by four games in the loss column and UMES by three games. A win Sunday would definitely clinch a playoff spot for the Eagles.
It wasn’t easy as Coppin State had to overcome a two-run deficit in the opening game. Seven Eagles had hits. The biggest hits belonged to Heather Josker, who tied the game, 3-3, with a bases loaded single that scored two runs in the fifth inning. It was Josker’s team best seventh multi-RBI game this season. Alana Williams gave Coppin State the lead for good at 5-3 with a clutch two-out two run single in the sixth inning. Williams had two hits for Coppin State.
Kim Brown’s second home run of the season started Coppin State on its road to victory. Trailing, 2-0, Brown hit a ball over the centerfield fence in the third inning. Alyssa Barker allowed two earned runs as she tossed her 16th complete game of the season.
In the second game, Williams, Barker and Gabriel Ziller all led the Coppin State offense with two hits each. For Williams, it was the first time this season she enjoyed a multi-hit game. She also extended her hitting streak to three games. Ziller slammed her third home run of the season and Candice Van Horn tripled during the game. Barker pitched five innings of scoreless relief to register her 10th win of the season.
Coppin State and Morgan State play the final game of the weekend series Sunday beginning at 12:00 p.m.
For complete story, visit www.coppinstatesports.com or www.morganstatebears.com
Hornets Inch Closer to Division Crown with Doubleheader Sweep Over Lady Hawks
PRINCESS ANNE, Md. – Coming in as winners of five straight, the Delaware State softball team (31-15, 14-3 MEAC) swept Saturday’s doubleheader on the road over the UMES Hawks (7-39, 4-9 MEAC), 11-3 and 8-2, to move within one game of clinching the MEAC North Division title.
In game one, the Hornets tallied a season-high 18 hits, spearheaded by freshman Tara Tursellino going 4-for-5 with two RBI, while catcher Sandy Hawthorne went 3-for-5 with two doubles and a game-high three RBI. Jordan Stamps, meanwhile, went 3-for-5 as well with an RBI and two runs, whereas infielders Rochelle Sablay and Danielle Velez both went 2-for-5 with an RBI.
Pitching wise, Tursellino (12-5) also picked up the victory allowing six hits, two earned runs, two walks and recording two strikeouts in four innings of work after replacing starter Vanessa Ciocatto (10-5).
Game two, on the other hand, remained knotted at one after the first inning until the Hornets scored seven runs on seven hits in the sixth, sparked by a Hawthorne (4) leadoff home run. Later in the frame, pinch hitter Nkili Matthews came up huge with the bases loaded to drove in two runs with a single to right, whereas outfielder Jessica Madrid churned out a two-run RBI-doubled to right center.
The Hawks managed to cut the deficit to six in the seventh, but the Hornets kept them at bay with Ciocatto forcing a line out and fanning Rachel Vander Ven to seal the victory. Picking up the win, meanwhile, was senior Rachel Meagley (9-5), who surrendered seven hits, two walks and tallied four K’s.
At the plate, Delaware State notched 14 hits with Hawthorne (3-for-3) and Velez (3-for-4) leading the way, while infielders Nicole Gazzola and Chloe Oro both with 2-for-4 and scored once.
Tomorrow, the Columbia Blue & Red will aim for the series sweep at 1 p.m., which will secure the MEAC North Division crown.
For complete story, visit www.dsuhornets.com or www.umeshawks.com